Music Highlights at the 2018 Canadian National Exhibition

Every night from August 17 to September 2, the CNE is featuring bandshell concerts that cater to a wide variety of musical tastes. There are also a ton of local Toronto acts to check out, ranging from up and coming talents to headlining acts. Check out a full concert listing below, highlighting a few acts we think are worth heading down to The Ex for this summer.

Fri Aug 17
Dennis DeYoung and the Music of STYX
with Ezra Jordan

Sat Aug 18
Nancy Wilson of Heart
with JXCK KXLLY

Sun Aug 19
Marianas Trench
with Julian Taylor Band

Mon Aug 20
Men Without Hats
with The Spoons

Tues Aug 21
Stars
with The Elwins

Vaunted Toronto outfit Stars hits the stage on August 21 as part of their 2018 tour. The band released their eighth studio album, There Is No Love in Fluorescent Light, last October and have toured extensively since, even bringing their acclaimed live show to Yellowknife in July. Joining them on the bill are indie rockers The Elwins, whose third album Beauty Community also dropped in October.

Wed Aug 22
Freddie McGregor
with Jay Douglas

Thurs Aug 23
Hollerado
with Little Junior

Fri Aug 24
Emerson Drive
with Kelly Prescott

Country music fans can look forwards to August 24’s double bill, headlined by Alberta rockers Emerson Drive. The foursome has released 5 albums over their 15 years together, with a sixth album due soon. The first two singles from the untitled record, Just Got Paid and The Road, both peaked in the top 30 on the Canadian country charts. Singer-songwriter Kelly Prescott opens the evening with her sultry vocal style. Prescott released the new single Leavin’ Her in June and will also be playing at the CNE’s Northern Comfort Saloon August 27-29.